Just returned form an oil change at my dealer and after only 47,000 miles, they found an upper ball joint that needs to be replaced. This is a stock 2009 STX 4x4 that's only been driven on the road. The factory powertrain warranty that's left doesn't cover ball joints.

At a cost of nearly $350, I'm considering doing it myself. Is this a job that a decent home mechanic can do without special tools?

Thanks,

 

It should be pretty simple. The ball joint is sold with the upper control arm. You can do it without special tools, but a ball joint separator would be helpful.

One important note that is frequently overlooked is tightening the control arm bolts. When you get everything put together, leave the control arm bolts loose and set the truck on the ground. Then roll back and forth a few times to ensure that the suspension is settled at the normal ride height. You should be on level ground too. Then tighten the bolts to 111 lb-ft.

After it's all done, take the truck to get the alignment checked.

 

Have you checked them yourself?

 

Can you get the Torque Wrenche in after the spring /strut is in!!!

 

 

I believe you can if you do it under the hood, or you may have enough room through the wheel well unless you lowered the truck.

If you want to be safe, you can measure from the center of the wheel to the fender and record that measurement. When tightening the control arm, simply use a jack under the lower ball joint and lift until the measurement from the center to the hub to the fender matches what you previously documented. This will result in the bushings being tightened at ride height with easier access.

 

Upper BJ's shouldn't be a problem if you have some mechanical background.. Lower Bj's are a tad more difficult, but very do-able if you take your time and do them right. I used all MOOG joints on my truck.